Bank strike affects services in Khammam over five-day week demand

Banking operations were affected in Khammam and Kothagudem as public sector bank employees staged a strike demanding a five-day work week. The protest followed failed talks with the Chief Labour Commissioner, with unions also opposing labour codes and privatisation

Khammam: Banking operations were affected in erstwhile Khammam on Tuesday as public sector bank employees staged a strike and took to the streets, demanding the immediate implementation of a five-day work week.

The protests in Khammam and Kothagudem district headquarters were staged under the aegis of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). The move came after failed talks with the Chief Labour Commissioner over the implementation of a five-day work week, a long-standing demand of employees.

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The UFBU, representing nine bank unions such as AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, AIBOA, BEFI, INBEF, INBOC, NOBW and NOBO, claimed that despite prior agreements with the Indian Banks’ Association, the government has yet to notify all Saturdays as holidays. Speaking to the media, union leaders stated that a five-day banking system was essential to reduce the workload on employees and achieve a better work-life balance.

It would benefit not only the employees but also the public. The striking employees also demanded the abolition of newly introduced Labour Codes and profit-linked incentives, and opposed the privatisation of public sector banks, they said.